Trump says Ukraine talks “going okay," unveils plans for new “Golden Fleet”

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a positive assessment of negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, voicing hope that diplomatic efforts will succeed.

“So the talks on Ukraine and Russia are going along. […] I hope we can get it done. The talks are going okay. The bottom line is time for … I think they're all tired of that war. Everyone's tired of that war. It's got to stop,” Caliber.Az quotes Trump as saying during his speech from Palm Beach, Florida, on December 22.

Trump also announced plans to create a new so-called “golden fleet.” Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence, he said the new class of warships would be equipped with hypersonic missiles, laser systems, and, for the first time, newly developed sea-based cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

“We haven’t built a battleship since 1994. These cutting-edge vessels will be some of the most lethal surface warfare ships. It will be actually the most ever built other than our submarines,” Trump said.

The American president said the ships would have a displacement of between 30,000 and 40,000 tons. He noted that the U.S. Navy would begin by procuring two vessels, with plans to expand the fleet to 25 ships. The first two are expected to be built within two years.

Trump rejected claims that the ships are aimed at countering China, saying the goal is to achieve “peace through strength.”  

"It's a counter to everybody. It's not China. We get along great with China. I have a great relationship with President Xi and not China. It's a just everybody. You don't know who comes along. But uh we just wanted peace through strength. Hopefully, we'd never have to use them, but there will never be anything built like these. Think of it. Those battleships are incredible. These have 100 times the power. Think of that."

Trump also revealed what the United States plans to do with oil tankers and oil seized by the U.S. Navy off the coast of Venezuela, saying the country will keep them.

“We’re going to keep it. We’re keeping the ships also. Maybe we'll sell it. Maybe we'll keep it. Maybe we'll use it in the strategic reserves,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question.

Asked why Maduro should take US threats seriously, Trump said: “He could do whatever he wants. We have a massive armada forum, the biggest we've ever had and by far the biggest we've ever had in South America. He could do whatever he wants. If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it'll be the last time he's ever able to play tough.”

By Khagan Isayev